Understanding the Pitbull’s Temperament Through APBT History

In this section, I want to show you that a breed like the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), created and selected for pit bull fight, does not mean it is a crazy pit bull or dangerous dog. Although some still use them for pitbull dog fights today, this does not make them dangerous by nature.

This section is designed to explain why the American Pit Bull Terrier has a good temperament towards people. To understand this, we must know their past and the characteristics of pit bull fighting dogs.

Understanding the past helps us understand the present.

I want to introduce you to Virgil, an example of an APBT GAME DOG who is a clear example of a balanced dog. Virgil is a champion of professional dog fights, but in other hands, he could have been an army, police, therapy, hunting, rescue dog, etc. Or, in the hands of an irresponsible person, he could have ended up in the news for attacking his owner, another dog, or being shot by the police.

The dog would be the same, a perfect APBT, but everything depends on the owner.

Gambler’s GR CH “Virgil” ROM (5XW) (21.300 Kg.)

Champion Virgil: An Example of the APBT Breed

Virgil is an outstanding champion in the world of professional pit bull fights, having won five titles. Below are the details of his awards, the rivals he has faced, and the duration of each fight.

These are his Awards:

AGDT dog of the decade

Bulldog Revelation Dog Of The Year 1998 – 1999

Sporting dog journal dog of the year 1999

He won against these APBTs:

NLK’s Corrupt – Won in 22 min. (BIS)

Tant’s Geronimo – Won in 36 min.

HGK’s Big Al – Won in 55 min. (BIS)

Falcon’s Ch Dingo – Won in 58 min.

Crunch’s Ch Miester (4x) – Won in 45 min.

APBT Virgil is a perfect example of a balanced American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT). In the following video, you can see him interacting normally with other dogs, people, and children. Despite his history as a fighting breed, Virgil shows that he is not a dangerous dog.

Understanding Official APBT Fights

The friendly temperament of the APBT towards people is an inherent characteristic of the breed, resulting from careful selection. Breeders who used these PIT BULL dogs for combat were very aware of the power of their animals and did not allow them to show aggression towards humans.

These APBT breeders knew that their pit bulls fought with determination, to the point of fighting to the death20. However, a dog aggressive towards humans was considered unacceptable and was therefore euthanized. Additionally, a dog with such behavior would be impossible to handle during a fight.

Power without control is useless

Therefore, breeders ensured that their APBT game dogs were manageable and safe in the presence of people.

Through this image, we can learn a lot about the APBT:

Pit Bull Fights with Audience: Historically, pit bull fights were held with an audience present. The handlers were inside the combat area with the dogs.

Combat Area Delimitation: The height of the fence was not designed to prevent the APBTs from escaping but to delimit the area and prevent the dogs from moving into the audience.

Calm Environment: It is notable the calmness of the audience, the cameraman, and the handlers, all a few meters from two APBTs in combat. Sometimes, the dogs even leaned on the handlers while fighting, without them showing concern.

This image is worth a thousand words.

I show it to better understand what an APBT GAME DOG is and to demonstrate that it is not an inherently dangerous dog. The danger lies in the irresponsible use that some people make of them.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a balanced dog and very good with people. Although it has a heritage of a fighting dog, it is not necessarily aggressive, and with the example of GR CH Virgil, it is demonstrated how a true American Pit Bull Terrier should be

You might also be interested in these articles. If not, feel free to return to the apbt information page where you’ll find all the interesting articles about the American Pit Bull Terrier.

The temperament of the American Pitbull Terrier towards people: ATTS Results

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Carlos Geel (APBT INFO & HOLLAND APBT KENNEL)